Michael Shannon criticizes The Flash multiverse role satisfaction, revealing his disappointment with reprising General Zod in the 2023 DC blockbuster. Although the multiverse concept and return of major characters drew fans’ attention, Shannon’s experience as Zod in The Flash left him feeling unsatisfied and questioning the creative approach behind the film.
Shannon’s Take on the Multiverse Approach in The Flash
After gaining acclaim for his powerful performance in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Michael Shannon was invited back as General Zod in The Flash, a film packed with multiple timelines and versions of well-known DC characters. Despite the novelty of interacting within various universes, Shannon didn’t find the experience deep or fulfilling. He explained to Business Insider that the movie’s expansive storyline, which centered around Barry Allen’s timeline changes, ultimately reduced Zod’s role to a plot obstacle rather than a fully realized character arc.
“Yeah. I’m not gonna lie — it wasn’t quite satisfying for me, as an actor,”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
Shannon expressed that, unlike Man of Steel, The Flash did not focus on character exploration. Instead, he saw the multiverse treatment as lacking genuine stakes and emotional complexity for actors invested in their roles.
“These multiverse movies are like somebody playing with action figures. It’s like, ‘Here’s this person. Here’s that person. And they’re fighting!’ It’s not quite the in-depth character study situation that I honestly felt Man of Steel was.”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
General Zod’s Limited Role and Actor’s Perspective
Although The Flash sought to provide high-stakes entertainment by merging different timelines and introducing several versions of familiar faces, Shannon felt that Zod didn’t have a meaningful story within this structure. Zod’s presence amounted to setting up a challenge for The Flash, rather than participating in a nuanced story.
“I feel like The Flash is too, but it’s not Zod’s story. I’m basically there to present a challenge,”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
This insight sheds light on a broader conversation happening in Hollywood. Increasingly, actors and audiences alike are discussing how the multiverse trend in superhero cinema may undermine the foundational elements of character growth and storytelling. While new storylines can offer spectacle and fan service, they can also diminish the emotional weight that draws both actors and viewers to these films.
Behind-the-Scenes Reassurance from Zack Snyder
Before officially returning to the DC Universe, Shannon took the extra step of consulting with Zack Snyder, the director who first cast him as Zod. Reluctant to reprise the role without Snyder’s approval, Shannon described reaching out for his blessing prior to committing to The Flash.
“I said, ‘Hey, you know I would really feel awkward about doing it without Zack’s blessing, so until I get that, you’re just gonna have to wait.’ So I reached out to Zack and he gave me his blessing and said, ‘It’s okay. You can do it.’”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
Praise for Ezra Miller Amid Storytelling Criticism
Despite his overall critique of the film’s storytelling, Michael Shannon commended Ezra Miller for their portrayal of Barry Allen, describing them as an enthralling actor. Miller’s performance required embodying two separate versions of the central hero, a task Shannon recognized as formidable and ambitious.
“I just think Ezra is a fascinating performer and actor,”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
“I can’t wait to see this performance. It’s a huge challenge. I don’t wanna give anything away, but what Ezra has to do in this movie is pretty crazy, and I think [they’re] up for the task.”
—Michael Shannon, Actor
The Broader Impact on Franchise Filmmaking
Michael Shannon’s comments highlight the growing tension in Hollywood between prioritizing blockbuster spectacle and delivering rewarding roles that allow for genuine character evolution. His openness reveals the challenges many actors face in navigating massive cinematic universes like DC’s, where commercial demands or creative trends—such as the multiverse—sometimes overshadow deeper artistic opportunities.
Shannon’s perspective offers audiences and critics a rare look at the complexities involved in returning to high-profile roles. As iconic franchises continue to experiment with crossovers and alternate timelines, actors like Shannon remind the industry and its fans of the importance of meaningful storytelling and character integrity, even amid spectacle-driven storytelling.
